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Sidney grapplers face consolation

OMAHA — Sidney High School’s wrestlers will have the long route today in attempting to reach Saturday’s state finals medal round at CenturyLink Center.

Red Raiders sophomore 132-pounder Michael Muggli, and two seniors, Tanner Wintholz (195) and Scott Kelsey (220) will all have wrestlebacks today after losing bouts Thursday.

Muggli (28-9), however, is in slightly better position, as he won his first-round bout — an 11-2 major decision against Noah Lau of Northwest — before falling in the quarterfinals to top-seeded Quinten Dawes (43-2) of Gretna (pinned in 56 seconds).

“Muggli had a great opening round,” SHS coach John Ganser said. “He almost had (Lau) pinned at the end of the first period. (Lau) was a dangerous wrestler, and Michael was scoring a lot of points against him. Dawes was a different story and a strong opponent, and he nailed Muggli in the first period.”

Muggli will meet either Lexington’s Dakota Hernandez or Jesse Barton of Nebraska City in the third round of wrestlebacks.

Both Wintholz and Kelsey lost in the opening round, and will have to go the distance in the consolation bracket.

Wintholtz was defeated 4-1 by Beatrice’s Eric Engler and meets Tyler Brabec of Schuyler in the 195 wrestlebacks; Kelsey was pinned midway through the third period (4:48) by Columbus Lakeview’s Karston Runge; and faces Nebraska City’s Jacob Pierce in the 220 consolation bracket.

“Tanner wrestled decently against the Beatrice kid,” Ganser said. “One move cost him the four points — a takedown and near-fall — and that was it.”

Ganser said Kelsey’s loss was a matter of technique.

“Scott just got caught with his head down too much,” Ganser said.

Wintholz and Kelsey were scheduled to wrestle in the first round of consolations at approximately 12:30 p.m. CST today, and must win to reach the second round of wrestlebacks.

Muggli already has a berth in that round, and will wrestle at 2:30 p.m. CST today.

Wintholz and Kelsey must win to join Muggli.

“In the consolation rounds, everyone is kind of even in terms of ability,” Ganser said. “Those who get after it usually wind up on top and get through.”

 

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